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Repeat problem drivers were given vehicle sanctions and could not apply to return to the road.

The report - which examined the impact of the reforms - found licence disqualification periods dropped by an average 56 per cent and time in prison dropped by 24 per cent.

But the crash data revealed there was no negative impact on road safety - in fact, it improved.

"The analysis suggested there was a downward trend in crashes involving unauthorised drivers which continued in the months following the reforms."

The report suggested other factors including better roads and increased policing are behind the improvement.

The authors' analysis only looked at a short three-month window and have urged authorities to continue to monitor the data as more unauthorised drivers complete their penalties and return to the roads.